Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Vaccine Requirement through 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to require guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on sailings through Dec. 31, 2021.

NCL made the update to its protocols this week and said that the decision was made based on guidance from public health experts and to prioritize the health and safety of both its crew and its guests.

The line is still not allowing unvaccinated guests, regardless of age, on sailings but said that it is “eagerly” awaiting the expansion of vaccination criteria to include more of the population.

It’s part of NCL’s plan to sail in an environment that Frank Del Rio considers “the safest place on earth.” 

“Under the guidance of globally recognized public health experts and to prioritize the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, we have decided to extend guest vaccination requirements for all sailings through December 31, 2021. Guests who are not old enough to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings. However, we eagerly await an expansion of the age criteria for vaccinations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so we can once again welcome these guests back on board,” a spokesperson for NCL said.

“We will continue to evaluate and modify our health and safety protocols with our team of scientific and public health experts as science and technology evolve. For the latest updates regarding our health and safety protocols, please visit ncl.com/sail-safe.  We thank our guests for their understanding and support as we address the challenges posed by COVID-19 to deliver a safe vacation experience.”

Norwegian’s parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is still involved in an ongoing lawsuit with the State of Florida about that vaccinated requirement. After a Federal Judge ruled in favor of NCLH’s ability to require proof of vaccination upon boarding, Florida said it will again appeal the ruling to a higher court.